668 One By One (1/2)
Squeeze?
Squeeze, my ass!
How am I going to squeeze out that much?
What you are doing is practically squeezing away half of our lives!
However, nobody dared to protest or utter a sliver of disagreement right at the scene – they did not even dare to display the slightest hint of their displeasure on their faces!
Who was this Yun Yang that stood before them?
He was none other than Young Master Yun, the young heir of the Residence of King Yun!
Who, then, was behind the Residence of King Yun?
Yun Xiaoyao – King Xiaoyao!
If King Xiaoyao had not agreed to this, would Young Master Yun dare to pull such a stunt?
It was obvious that he must have given the green light to go ahead with this!
Who was behind King Xiaoyao, then?
It must be, without a doubt, the emperor, His Majesty himself!
If the Emperor himself had not given his consent for this open extortion of property, would King Xiaoyao have dared to make a move as massive as this?
One could only imagine that it was a hundred percent guarantee that he must have agreed to it!
Regarding the fact that Yun Yang had to have discussed this with Marshal Tie, the reason would be nothing more than the inconvenience for King Xiaoyao and the Emperor to step forth personally. Once they put their foot out, how inappropriate it would be! Those two still needed to retain their dignity.
One could say that it was the appropriate thing to do, a complete utilization of talents for Marshal Tie to assume responsibility for this so that Yun Yang could step forward to announce it.
Bloody hell, who would dare to disobey?
Let's not talk about the malevolence of the Empire of Yutang's top two powers. Yun Yang alone was needed before the imperial court could enforce any law and judgment. Otherwise, before Marshal Tie Zheng could find any fault, one would already have lost his head in the midst of slumber during the dead of the night...
What? Was it all done by Young Master Yun? What evidence do you have to prove it?
Assuming that you do have evidence, the receiving party could erase its existence with a wave of his hand. This would then be followed up with a further question - do you still have any other evidence?
A thing like this was completely possible and completely imaginable as well.
That would simply mean dying in vain!
What?
Are you are saying that Yun Yang's donation drive was at the behest of the Emperor himself? Do you have proof? If you don't, that was basically slander, defamation - you have no respect for your benevolent ruler! You have no regard for the law, you are challenging the sovereign, you are attempting to incur a rebellion...
If that was the case, you will not be the only one who would be punished; your whole family will lose their heads as well!
Do you have evidence? Waiting to present the evidence, perhaps? With or without proof, death awaits you, either way…
Everyone felt like they were being pushed over the edge; speechless and exasperated, they felt like they were going into a momentary state of shock.
A few of the known rich households involved longed to weep, but they no longer had any tears left.
It was still relatively acceptable if others had to donate ten million taels, but for their own families to also donate ten million taels… you should just wait until you die!
Although there was no official appointment of names... do these things even require a proper appointment of names?
”Alright, alright, as I said before, I believe all here are good, understanding men, so we shall commence the donation now. Do note that this is a donation, not a loan.” Yun Yang gave a good-natured laugh. ”So, do consider how much you will be donating, and please, please remember this figure in your heart – this money will not be returned!”
Silence reigned supreme.
”All along, I have never had many earnings, to begin with. How I wish I could spend a penny by breaking it into two halves. However, the empire is at stake right now - naturally, I feel responsible for it. This young brother has already forked out my entire savings – twenty million taels.” Yun Yang made an example of himself, launching a massive sum as a start.
”Since big brother has said so, and although I was never born a citizen of Yutang, I was a comrade to many Yutang-born men as we rode into battle together. I still remember the bloody battle at the Fortress of Resilience… No matter how tight my finances are, I am willing to fork out twenty million taels!” Xia Bingchuan offered generously.
”This young brother shall donate twenty million taels.”
”This young brother shall donate twenty million taels as well.”
”I will donate thirty million taels. On behalf of my uncle, I shall donate even more. However, due to my limited finances, I can only afford to fork out ten million taels more than my brothers, Don't laugh - do excuse my limited capabilities,” said Qiu Yunsan.
With that, the four noble young masters livened up the atmosphere, taking the task earnestly and laughing collectively.